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The Army is a Profession

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The Army is a Profession
THE ARMY AS A PROFESSION

Argumentative Essay
February 24, 2014

Is the Army a profession? Today, the Army is composed of brave men and women who have volunteered to serve our country. American citizens accept the Army’s code of ethics during their process of becoming an American soldier. The Army promotes professional development through military occupation specialties, education, and expertise. The Army develops soldiers into experts, proficient within defending our nation and the protection of human rights. Army professional development is a culture that is applied through ethics, leadership and loyalty. Throughout my experiences, service members of the Army are mostly motivated by the proficiency of craft and the outcome of self-discipline. Should the Army be considered a profession based on its code of ethics, professional development and culture?
The Army’s Oath of Office, Army Values and Soldiers Creed promote the Army’s “code of ethics”. Men and women entering the Army swear to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…” (U.S Army Center of Military History, 2014). The Oath of Office is the foundation for men and women entering into the Army. The seven core Army Values are a benchmark of standards soldiers must uphold whether on or off duty. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage describe what it cost to be an American soldier. Service members are required to learn, recite and live the Oath of Office, Army Values and Soldiers Creed upon assuming the risk and responsibility of an American Soldier.
Is the Army considered a profession to those who view it as a springboard into a civilian career? Many American’s serve our nations military for an initial enlistment. Some argue that every American should serve a minimal term. During an initial enlistment do soldiers fully indulge



References: “Oaths of Enlisted and Oath of Office.” U.S Army Center of Military History. www.history.army.mil (February 22, 2014). ADP 6-22, Army Leadership An Army White Paper, 2010

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